Negative Marks in Kerala PSC Exam: What Candidates Should Know

The Kerala Public Service Commission (Kerala PSC) conducts competitive examinations for various government posts in the state. To ensure fair evaluation and discourage guesswork, many of these exams follow a negative marking system. Understanding how negative marks work is crucial for candidates aiming to maximize their scores and avoid unnecessary penalties.

What is Negative Marking?

Negative marking is a system where marks are deducted for wrong answers in an objective-type (multiple-choice) examination. It is used to test not just the knowledge of candidates but also their accuracy and decision-making under pressure.

Negative Marking in Kerala PSC Exams

Most objective-type Kerala PSC exams—including 10th Level, 12th Level, Degree Level prelims, and mains for various posts—follow the rule of negative marking. The standard pattern is:

• Each correct answer: +1 mark

• Each wrong answer: -⅓ mark (or 0.33 marks deducted)

• Unanswered questions: No deduction

This means that three wrong answers can cancel out the marks gained from one correct answer, which can significantly affect your total score if you're not careful.

Why is Negative Marking Introduced?

Kerala PSC introduced negative marking to:

• Prevent random guessing by candidates

• Promote accurate answering and subject knowledge

• Ensure merit-based selection by rewarding careful attempts

This system helps maintain the quality and competitiveness of the recruitment process.

How to Handle Negative Marking Wisely

Here are a few strategies candidates should follow to minimize the impact of negative marks:

1. Avoid Blind Guessing

Never answer a question without reading and thinking. If you're unsure and cannot eliminate any options, it's safer to leave the question unanswered.

2. Use Elimination Strategy

If you can confidently eliminate one or two options, you may consider making an educated guess among the remaining options. This improves your chances while keeping the risk manageable.

3. Strengthen Accuracy Through Practice

Practice mock tests and previous year papers regularly. This improves not just your speed but also your accuracy, which is key in exams with negative marking.

4. Time Management

Sometimes errors happen due to haste. Proper time management allows you to read and answer questions carefully, reducing the chances of careless mistakes.

5. Mark Questions for Review

If you’re unsure about a question during the first pass, mark it for review and come back to it later with a fresh mind instead of rushing to answer.

Impact on Final Ranking

Even a few wrong answers can bring down your rank due to negative marking. For example, in tightly competitive exams like those for Police Constable, Fireman, or Secretariat Assistant, just a 2–3 mark difference can decide selection or rejection. Hence, a cautious approach is critical.

Conclusion

Negative marking in Kerala PSC exams is not meant to scare candidates but to ensure that only the well-prepared and precise candidates move forward. By understanding how it works and preparing with accuracy in mind, you can turn this challenge into an advantage. Remember, in PSC exams, it’s not just about how many questions you attempt—it’s about how many you get right.